Method and Apparatus for Holding Mouth Guards

ABSTRACT

A mouth guard holder assembly having a central body member, constructed of terrycloth fabric or other material having suitable flexibility, absorbency, aesthetic and other characteristics, forms a resilient expandable loop to snugly fit around a user&#39;s bicep, forearm or wrist. A harness or strap is affixed to the central body member, but is capable of being partially separated from the central body member. Thereafter, a mouth guard can be quickly and securely stored in space formed between the strap and central body member during periods when the mouth guard is not inserted within a user&#39;s mouth.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

PRIORITY OF U.S. PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION SER. NO. 61/642,801, FILED MAY 4, 2012, INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IS HEREBY CLAIMED.

STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

NONE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for convenient and sanitary storage of a mouth guard during certain periods of non-use. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for temporarily holding a mouth guard during periods when it is not placed in a user's mouth.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

The benefits of wearing protective mouth guards, particularly during athletic events and recreational activities, have been widely documented. Such mouth guards protect a user's mouth area including, without limitation, the user's teeth and gums. Additionally, mouth guards also protect a user's head against a blow to the jaw that can result in numerous injuries such as, for example, concussions and/or loss of consciousness.

Widely established benefits of mouth guards include, without limitation, the following: (1) preventing lacerations and bruising during impact by serving as a buffer between a user's lips/cheeks and teeth; (2) preventing tooth fractures or dislocations by cushioning teeth from direct blows while redistributing impact forces; (3) preventing seismic contact between opposing teeth; (4) providing elastic support to a user's mandible; and (5) reducing neurologic injury by acting as shock absorbers between the upper and lower jaw members. Mouth guards can also frequently provide psychological benefit to athletes, which can often result in improved performance.

As a result of greater awareness of such benefits, the use of mouth guards has become significantly more common in recent years, particularly during athletic competitions and other activities. Mouth guards are frequently worn by people of all ages and at virtually all levels of competition, from children to professional athletes.

Although conventional mouth guards provide protection against injury, said mouth guards can be inconvenient and problematic during periods of relative inactivity and/or when verbal communication is required. For example, football players (and particularly quarterbacks) frequently remove mouth guards when verbally communicating in a huddle between plays. Similarly, basketball players frequently remove mouth guards when shooting free throws. Practically all athletes remove mouth guards during time outs or other similar situations.

When such mouth guards are removed, a problem can develop as to how and where to store such mouth guard during periods when such mouth guards are not being worn. Although wearers can simply hold the mouth guards in their hands, such hands are frequently dirty or unsanitary, particularly during sporting events or other activities where a participant's hands must touch the ground, athletic balls or other potentially unsanitary surfaces. In some cases, an athlete must use such hands such as when a basketball player is shooting free throws. Moreover, such mouth guards frequently contain excess saliva from a user's mouth, making them unpleasant to hold for extended periods.

Existing attempts to solve this problem have not yielded satisfactory results. Certain mouth guards, particularly those adapted for use while playing football, have straps that connect the mouth guards to a helmet facemask or other surface; when not placed into a user's mouth, said mouth guards can remain connected to the facemask. However, mouth guards hanging from a facemask are exposed to the surrounding environment, including dirt, mud, germs or other contaminants on the field, helmet or uniform.

Many football players will remove a mouth guard and temporarily wedge said mouth guard into spaces existing between a facemask and helmet, or between bars of a facemask, during huddles, time outs or other play stoppages. In basketball, players will frequently balance a mouth guard over an ear while shooting free throws or during time outs. None of these solutions protect the mouth guards from the surrounding environment—including dirt, mud, germs or other contaminants found on the field, body, helmet or uniform.

Thus, there is a need for a convenient and sanitary means of temporarily securing mouth guards during periods of non-use within a mouth. Such periods of non-use can include, without limitation, during football huddles, basketball free throws, or time outs in virtually any sport or activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a method and apparatus that provides athletes and/or other individuals of all ages with a convenient and sanitary place to temporarily and safely store and secure a mouth guard during time(s) when said mouth guard is not placed in a mouth. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a harness-like strap member that is affixed to an arm or wrist band worn by a user during a sporting event or other activity.

Wrist and arm bands are routinely worn by athletes and others of all ages and abilities; such bands can keep a user's hands dry by blocking the flow of perspiration down a user's arms and preventing such perspiration from reaching a user's hands. Such bands, which are frequently absorbent, odor resistant, and even fashionable, are especially beneficial for athletes who must grip a ball or other implement with the hands (such as, for basketball players shooting free throws, or football players who must throw or catch a football). In some cases, certain wrist bands can actually include specialized crystals that turn into a cooling gel when exposed moisture.

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises an adjustable band that can be worn on the arm by an athlete or other person. Said adjustable band comprises a central body member that can be made or fabric other material having suitable flexibility, absorbency and aesthetic characteristics. Although said central body member can comprise a resilient expandable loop, it can also comprise an elongate member having a hook and loop fastener that permits adjustable fastening around a user's arm.

A harness-like strap member is securely fastened to said central body member. However, said strap member can be partially separated from said central body member in order to create a space between said strap member, and said central body member. Said strap member should also beneficially have certain elasticity in order to provide biasing forces toward said central body member when said strap member is pulled away from said central body member.

The present invention provides a convenient and sanitary means of temporarily securing mouth guards during periods when a mouth guard is not installed in a user's mouth. Such periods can include, without limitation, during football huddles, basketball free throws, or time outs in virtually any sport or activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The foregoing summary, as well as any detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings and figures contained herein. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings and figures show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed in such drawings or figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective view of the mouth guard holder of the present invention being worn on a user's arm.

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of a first side of the mouth guard holder of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a second side of the mouth guard holder of the present invention (opposite of the side depicted in FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the inner surface of the central body member of the mouth guard holder of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the outer surface of the central body member of the mouth guard holder of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective view of the mouth guard holder assembly 10 of the present invention being worn on a user's arm 100. Said mouth guard holder 10 provides athletes and/or other individuals of all ages with a convenient and sanitary place to temporarily and safely store or secure a mouth guard, such as mouth guard 200, during a game or at other time(s) when said mouth guard is not being used. Mouth guard 200 is depicted in FIG. 1 as being substantially U-shaped, but it is to be observed that the present invention can also function when used with a mouth guard having a different (that is, not U-shaped) shape or configuration.

In the preferred embodiment, mouth guard holder assembly 10 of the present invention comprises a central body member 11 that is constructed of terrycloth fabric or other material having suitable flexibility, absorbency and aesthetic characteristics. Said central body member 11 forms a substantially cylindrical resilient and expandable loop that can be stretched to slip over a user's hand, but which can then contract to snugly fit around said user's bicep, forearm or wrist (depending on the user's preference and/or the activity being performed). However, it is to be observed that said central body member 11 can also comprise an elongate member having a hook and loop fastener or other fastening (including tightening or loosening) means that permits adjustable fastening around a user's arm.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a harness or strap member 14 is affixed to central body member 11 so that it is adjacent to the outer surface of said central body member 11. Said strap member 14 is capable of being partially separated from (that is, pulled away from without detaching) said central body member 10 in order to create a space between said strap member 14 and said outer surface of said central member 11. Said strap member 14 beneficially has elasticity to bias said strap member 14 toward said central body member 11 when said strap member 14 is pulled away from said central body member 11

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of a first side of mouth guard holder assembly 10 of the present invention, FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a second side of said mouth guard holder assembly 10 of the present invention (opposite of the side depicted in FIG. 2). Central body member 11 is constructed of terrycloth fabric or other material having suitable flexibility, absorbency and aesthetic characteristics. Said central body member 11 comprises a resilient expandable loop that can be stretched to slip over a user's hand, but which can then contract to snugly fit around said user's bicep, forearm or wrist (depending on the user's preference).

Strap member 14 is affixed to central body member 11 so that said strap member 14 is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of said central body member 11. Said strap member 14 is capable of being partially separated from said central body member 11 in order to create a space between said strap member 14 and outer surface of said central member 11. Although said strap member 14 can potentially have many different shapes without detracting from the scope of the present invention, in the preferred embodiment said strap member 14 is wider at ends 15 and 16, and thinner near its mid-point.

Central body member 11 has a substantially cylindrical shape defining a first edge, a second edge and a length there between. Said central body member 11 can have a substantially constant diameter or, alternatively, it can be tapered to better fit a user's tapered wrist or forearm. Further, said strap member 14 is oriented substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of said central body member 11 and extends from said first edge to said second edge.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of inner surface 13 of central body member 11 of mouth guard holder 10 of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 4, central body member 11 has a substantially rectangular shape before ends 11 a and 11 b of said central body member 11 are joined together to form a loop (as depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3). In the preferred embodiment, said inner surface 13 can comprise a relatively soft material having desired characteristics (such as, for example, moisture absorbing and non-abrasive material that will not scratch or irritate the skin of a user).

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of outer surface 12 of central body member 11 of mouth guard holder 10 of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 5, central body member 11 has a substantially rectangular shape before ends 11 a and 11 b of said central body member 11 are joined together to form a loop. Strap member 14 is affixed to central body member 11 so that said strap member 14 is positioned adjacent to outer surface 12 of said central body member 11. As noted above, said strap member 14 is capable of being partially separated from said central body member 11 in order to create a space between said strap member 14 and outer surface 12 of said central member 11.

Mouth guard holder assembly 10 of the present invention can worn by athletes and others of all ages and abilities. Such mouth guard holder 10 can be worn by a user on a wrist or forearm or other portion of said user's arm. Mouth guard holder assembly 10 can keep a user's hands dry by blocking the flow of perspiration down a user's arms and preventing such perspiration from reaching a user's hands. Said mouth guard holder assembly 10 can be constructed of materials that are absorbent, odor resistant, and aesthetically pleasing

Referring back to FIG. 1, a user can remove mouth guard 200 from said user's mouth at any desired time. By way of example, but not limitation, it is to be noted that football players (and particularly quarterbacks) frequently remove mouth guards when verbally communicating in a huddle between plays. Similarly, basketball players frequently remove mouth guards when shooting free throws. These are just a few of the examples of situations in which a user may want to temporarily remove and securely store a mouth guard during an athletic competition; however, it is to be observed that such situations are practically unlimited in number.

Once removed, the user can partially slip U-shaped mouth guard 200 underneath strap member 14. Because said strap member 14 beneficially has elasticity to bias said strap member 14 toward said central body member 11, mouth guard 200 is conveniently and securely held in place against outer surface 12 of central body member 11 by said inwardly biasing strap member 14. With said mouth guard 200 securely held in this position, a user can move (such as while shooting a free throw in basketball, walking from a huddle to a play formation in football, or taking practice swings before stepping into the batter's box in baseball) without risk of dropping or losing said mouth guard 200. Thereafter, said mouth guard 200 can be quickly and efficiently retrieved from mouth guard holders assembly 10 and returned to a user's mouth when an activity is about to resume.

As noted above, strap member 14 can potentially have many different shapes and configurations without detracting from the scope of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment said strap member 14 is wider at ends 15 and 16, and thinner near its mid-point. Wider end 15 and 16 allow for more surface area that can be attached to central body member 11, thereby resulting in greater strength characteristics (and less chance that said strap member 14 will become inadvertently ripped or torn from said central body member 11).

It is to be observed that said strap member 14 could be replaced by a pouch or loop, either of which could also be used to receive and temporarily hold/secure mouth guard 200. Further, the various components of mouth guard holder assembly 10 of the present invention (including, without limitation, central body member 20 and/or strap member 14) can be beneficially treated with anti-bacterial or other similar material to inhibit the growth of bacteria or other harmful organisms on or in proximity to mouth guard 200.

The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. A mouth guard holder comprising: a) a substantially cylindrical body member; and b) a strap having a first end and a second end, wherein said first and said second ends are attached to said body member.
 2. The mouth guard holder of claim 1, wherein said substantially cylindrical body member is expandable.
 3. The mouth guard holder of claim 1, wherein said substantially cylindrical body member is constructed or absorbent material.
 4. The mouth guard holder of claim 1 wherein said strap is elastic.
 5. The mouth guard holder of claim 1, wherein said substantially cylindrical body member comprises: a) a substantially rectangular member having a first and a second end; b) a hook and loop fastener on said first and second ends, wherein said first and second ends are joined together.
 6. The mouth guard holder of claim 1, wherein said substantially cylindrical body member has a longitudinal axis, and said strap is oriented substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
 7. The mouth guard holder of claim 1 wherein said strap is widest at said first and second ends, and narrowest at substantially the mid-point between said first and second ends.
 8. A mouth guard holder apparatus comprising: a) a substantially cylindrical body member defining first and second edges; and b) a strap having a first and a second end, wherein said first end is attached to said body member near said first edge, and said second end is attached to said body member near said second edge.
 9. The mouth guard holder of claim 8, wherein said substantially cylindrical body member is expandable.
 10. The mouth guard holder of claim 8, wherein said substantially cylindrical body member is constructed or absorbent material.
 11. The mouth guard holder of claim 8, wherein said strap is elastic.
 12. The mouth guard holder of claim 8, wherein said substantially cylindrical body member comprises: a) a substantially rectangular member having a first and a second end; b) a hook and loop fastener on said first and second ends, wherein said first and second ends are joined together.
 13. The mouth guard holder of claim 8, wherein said substantially cylindrical body member has a longitudinal axis, and said strap is oriented substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
 14. The mouth guard holder of claim 8, wherein said strap is widest at said first and second ends, and narrowest at substantially the mid-point between said first and second ends.
 15. A method of temporarily securing a mouth guard comprising: a) placing a mouth guard holder on an arm, said mouth guard holder comprising: i) a substantially cylindrical body member defining first and second edges; and ii) a strap having a first and a second end, wherein said first end is attached to said body member near said first edge, and said second end is attached to said body member near said second edge; b) removing a mouth guard from a mouth; c) temporarily securing a mouth guard between said strap and said body member.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said substantially cylindrical body member is constructed or absorbent material.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein said strap is elastic.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein said substantially cylindrical body member has a longitudinal axis, and said strap is oriented substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein said strap is widest at said first and second ends, and narrowest at substantially the mid-point between said first and second ends. 